In June 2012, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there were 780 thousand single mother families. They made up 81% of one parent families. Is your family like one of these?

My warm wishes and blessing for what you are doing everyday, whether you have got this down to a routine or not, whether you reached this place by intention or circumstances outside of your control, whether you are alone or part of a community. One day is not enough to celebrate your love, courage, and grit.

Amidst the cacophony of Father’s Day celebrations across the country, in homes, parks, restaurants, camping sites, churches and social groups, I hope your Father’s Day is special because someone took the time to bless you. Please count this one also for you.

May you be surrounded by friends and families who acknowledge the dull ache that you and your children feel because of the absence of the father.

May you be planted in a community where men and women are generously stretching their definition of family, embracing your children like their own. So your children are never forgotten, not left out, seldom overlooked. Often invited to be part of the family routine. Given that pat on the shoulder, the encouraging tone, even sharing the family joke.

But even if you’re not, do you know that there is One who promises to be the father to your children? The Psalmist writes about God the Father as the Father of the fatherless. When earthly fathers couldn’t or wouldn’t be there, you can depend on One who is eternal.